Tuesday, October 16, 2007

A DISCUSSION ON FORECLOSUERS

South Elyria Neighborhood Development Corporation (SEND) will be hosting their 3rd Annual Education Luncheon on Thursday, October 25th at the Elyria Holiday Inn from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “The Foreclosure Crisis, It’s Impact on Lorain County, the state and the nation” will be the focus. Ohio has the highest foreclosure rate in the nation, with the Cleveland area including Lorain County as one of the hardest hit. State Treasurer Richard Cordray will discuss what is being done at the state level including the initiative “Save Our Homes” and the Honorable Anna Escobedo Cabral will discuss the newest initiatives from the federal level.

SEND Director Chris Baker said she is honored to announce that the Guest speakers will include HUD Field Office Director Douglas Shelby, State Treasurer Richard Cordray and the Honorable Anna Escobedo Cabral. “With the situation of foreclosures in Ohio we joined with other groups including the LC Clerk of Courts to begin the Lorain County Foreclosure Task Force. We had Richard Cordray and Doug Shelby committed after hearing them speak in June on the situation in Cuyahoga County. I felt with Lorain County, already 50% above the 2200 foreclosures we had last year, and considering the LC Foreclosure Task Force beginning to form, it would be very beneficial for them to speak in Lorain County.”

Baker said that the SEND organization was born 3 years ago to assist the community development efforts by providing an educational event that would help accelerate community redevelopment in the community. “Hunter Morrison and Jane Campbell were our speakers the 1st two years as we were undergoing a citywide strategic planning process known as the Elyria 2015 Plan. SEND being a 501 c 3 organization must raise funds to continue its operation so we utilize this event as a means to do so.”

In 2006 Ohio had over 80,000 foreclosures and this year it is estimated that number will rise dramatically. Baker said that just one reason this event is so important to our community. “Nationwide, homeownership is at 68% in south Elyria we have a rental population that matches the national homeownership rate. Our goal is not just getting people to become homeowners but to keep their homes for the long haul.”

Baker said that SEND just received their certification to be homeownership and foreclosure counselors just this past August from NeighborWorks. “This is a wonderful opportunity for SEND but a great opportunity for Elyria and Lorain County! I hope we can come together and represent our community, as it deserves to be seen.”

To purchase tickets for the luncheon you can contact the SEND office by calling 440.284.0041.